Geosynthetics in geoenvironmental engineering

Abstract

Geosynthetics are planar polymeric products, which are used in connection with soil, rock or other soil-like materials to fulfill various functions in geoenvironmental engineering. Geosynthetics are of ever-growing importance in the construction industry. Sealing of waste storage facilities to safely prevent the emission of wastewater, landfill gas and contaminated dust as well as the diffusion of pollutants into the environment and coastal protection against storms and floods and reconstruction after natural disaster are important fields of application. We will give an overview of the various geosynthetic products. Two examples of the material problems related to geosynthetics are discussed in detail: the effect of creep on the long-term performance of geocomposite drains and the numerical simulation of the interaction of soil with geogrids. Both issues are of importance for the use of these products in landfill capping systems. The various functions, which geosynthetics may fulfill in the protection of coastal lines, are illustrated by case studies. The geosynthetic market is evaluated and economical and environmental benefits, as well as environmental side effects related to the use of geosynthetics, are discussed.

Geomechanics for Energy and a Sustainable Environment

“…The strength of soil geosynthetics mainly relies on that of the synthetized material itself, and they are applicable at shallow depths but are not appropriate at significant depths [23]. Although their durability is as good as a plastic material, their sustainability needs to be further discussed and verified, due to their ecotoxic effect on the environment from the leakage of additives and residual product from degradation of polymeric or metallic materials into the ground [104][105][106].…”

Global CO2 Emission-Related Geotechnical Engineering Hazards and the Mission for Sustainable Geotechnical Engineering

“…They are also used to provide filtration and drainage by adjusting the fluid flow path, to address soil erosion and other geosynthetics (i.e., geomembrane) that are relatively weak against external damage, through stress relief [102]. The production of geosynthetics grew after 1970 due to their advantages of easy installation, transport, and handling, and because of their ability to reduce construction time and cost [102,104]. Also, some geosynthetics (e.g., polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, and polyamide) are highly applicable to various geotechnical problems and have excellent biological and chemical resistance.…”

Environmental Impact of Geosynthetics in Coastal Protection

“…Their application areas are soil reinforcement, the stabilization of ballast layers, filtration, the waterproofing of dams and canals, and scour protection (e.g., for piles of offshore wind energy plants). The application of geosynthetics in coastal protection has huge economic benefits, such as savings via substitutions of or reductions in selected soil materials, ease of installation, increased speed of construction, life cycle cost savings through improved performance (by increased longevity or reduction in maintenance), and improved sustainability in terms of conserving natural environments as compared to alternative designs [ 1 , 2 ]. It is commonly accepted that geosynthetics which are adequately stabilized with antioxidants (e.g., sterically hindered amines) will last in underwater constructions with limited oxygen supply and temperatures at constantly low levels for at least 100 years.…”